The Ombuds Blog: Realtor Ombuds Programs Continue to Proliferate

February 21, 2007

Realtor Ombuds Programs Continue to Proliferate

The Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors is implementing a new ombudsman program to assist agents and members of the public by answering questions and addressing ethical issues that frequently develop in the business. The practice is growing among local realtor boards, after a pilot program by the California Association of Realtors was well-received. Realtor ombuds do not practice to IOA or USOA standards, but instead follow a National Association of Realtors (NAR) policy. Nonetheless, realtor ombuds are impartial and informal, and work to resolve misunderstandings and disagreements through facilitation rather than adjudication. (Sierra Sun News; NAR Policy on Ombudsman.)

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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Austria -- Ombudsstelle

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany -- Ombudspersonen

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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February 21, 2007

Realtor Ombuds Programs Continue to Proliferate

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